Former Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir has once again stirred the pot with a bold and controversial forecast for the T20 World Cup 2026. Just days after his ‘slogger’ dig at Abhishek Sharma, a prediction that seemed to gain weight as the opener struggled with three consecutive ducks, Amir has now claimed that the defending champions and hosts, India, will fail to qualify for the semifinals.

Mohammad Amir explains why Suryakumar Yadav’s India won’t reach T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

Speaking on the popular show ‘Haarna Mana Hai’, Amir suggested that India’s undefeated run in the group stages is a ‘mirage’ that will be exposed under the rising pressure of the Super 8s. Amir’s primary reason for backing India’s elimination centers on a perceived fragility in their batting lineup, particularly when faced with high-quality pace and movement.

Despite India finishing Group A with a perfect record, Amir pointed out that the team has relied far too heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective stability. He argued that except for the high-octane clash against Pakistan, the Indian batting unit has looked vulnerable and ‘collapsed’ in almost every game, often being rescued by the lower order or disciplined bowling. Using his full quotes to justify his skepticism, Amir stated:

“If you see their matches, the batting collapsed in all the games, barring the Pakistan contest. The pressure will rise in the Super 8 matches. The way in which South Africa and the West Indies have been playing, they can beat any team. I don’t think India will make it to the last four.” Amir said.

MOHD AMIR HAS PREDICTED THAT INDIA WON’T QUALIFY FOR THE WC SEMI FINAL 😭😭

We’ve already seen it before, the psychological impact of Amir’s statement on Abhishek Sharma.

Now It will be very difficult for India to reach the semis after this. pic.twitter.com/Tyx0v4goWY

— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) February 19, 2026

Also READ: Here’s why half of The Hundred teams might avoid signing Pakistani players in 2026

T20 World Cup 2026: India’s dominance in the group stage and roadmap for Super 8

Despite Amir’s grim outlook, India enters the next phase as the statistically dominant side of the tournament, having topped Group A with a flawless 4-0 record and a commanding net run rate of +2.500. The ‘Men in Blue’ navigated their group stage with professional ease, defeating the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands, alongside a marquee 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.

While the top order has faced criticism, the middle order, led by Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, has shown remarkable depth, often recovering from early wobbles to post match-winning totals. However, as the tournament transitions from the league phase to the Super 8s, the margin for error has evaporated, and India finds themselves in a high-stakes Group 1 alongside perennial contenders and dark horses.

India’s journey to the final four begins with a massive clash against an unbeaten South Africa on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a match many consider a ‘litmus test’ for India’s title credentials. Following the opener, India will travel to Chennai to face Zimbabwe on February 26, a side that earned their spot by knocking out Australia and defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka. The group stage concludes with a high-voltage encounter against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on March 1. With three games in ten days across different conditions, India must balance their playing XI and address the ‘Abhishek Sharma slump’ to ensure they secure one of the top two spots and prove Amir’s ‘collapse’ theory wrong.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: R Ashwin reflects on India’s form, highlights bright signs before Super 8

Mumbai: Following a summons, Raj Kundra, husband of actor Shilpa Shetty, appeared before a special court handling money laundering cases and was granted bail in a 2018 crime concerning Bitcoins worth over Rs 150 crore.The special trial court judge R B Rote on Jan 5, after hearing special public prosecutor Kavita Patil, took cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet in the case and summoned Kundra to court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He appeared in court and, through his advocate Prashant Patil, sought bail under the provisions of the new criminal procedural law, BNSS. The provision invoked enables an accused, previously not arrested in the case, to be released on a bail bond after the court summons him on a chargesheet being filed.

The ED case is that Kundra allegedly received 285 Bitcoins in July 2017. The ED valued them at $1 million, or Rs 6.6 crore, at the time, Patil said, adding the agency, though, adopted “arbitrarily” the value of bitcoin as on April 16, 2024, or approximately Rs 52 lakh per Bitcoin, and on that basis arrived at a figure of around Rs 150 crore.The prosecution case was that a co-accused had created an online platform and conspired with others to dupe “a number of gullible investors with a promise of a very high return in terms of earning in Bitcoin.Kundra, whose bail plea denied any role in the alleged fraud, also argued the ED’s approach was “untenable and legally impermissible, as it amounts to pick-and-choose valuation without any statutory backing”. He said a question that arose was: if the value in 2024 dropped to Re 1, would the ED attach only Rs 285?It was argued that the relevant date for valuation could only be the date on which the alleged proceeds were generated, ie July 2017, and not an arbitrary future date chosen to suit the prosecution. Kundra questioned the attachment of properties worth ₹150 crores as “grossly disproportionate, ex facie arbitrary, and liable to be set aside”.Claiming he was regular in his appearance before the ED since 2018, Kundra’s lawyer also said he was contemplating approaching the Bombay high court for quashing of the summons issued in the ED matter.

Mumbai: Bombay high court on Friday, in an interim order, said prima facie there appeared to be a “failure of intelligence” by the Navy in noticing how a high rise came up in the vicinity of INS Shikra, the premier naval air station in south Mumbai. The HC did not immediately stay construction work on the high rise, Jadhavji Mansion, but said work beyond the 15th floor would be at the developer’s risk.“We are surprised how the petitioner (the Navy’s Local Military Authority in Mumbai) failed to notice a building gradually reaching ground plus 19 floors,” Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri said. The HC was hearing a naval petition filed through a commanding officer, which sought to stop work on a 20-storey high-rise within 500 metres of the Naval Air Station for want of its no objection certificate (NOC).

The HC, however, noted that its February 16 order to suspend workers’ entry until February 18 at the building site was only because it was informed of the impending VVIP movement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to arrive in Mumbai on February 17. It said it did not wish to continue such an order at this juncture, but in its temporary order pending the final disposal of the petition, it directed the builder “to develop property at own risk and consequences beyond 53 m (or 15th floor, which was originally approved in 2010 before the MOD’s 2011 guidelines provided for its objections over security)”.“If we eventually conclude the NOC was mandatory, we would direct demolition above 15 floors,” the HC said, as Justice Ghuge dictated in open court.The HC added, “If we conclude the BMC was lax or complicit, or if circumstances indicate they conducted a blunder by granting CC without Naval NOC, and if circumstances so indicate, we would not hesitate to direct prosecution of such concerned BMC officials.” For any third-party rights to be created above the 15th floor, the builder will have to disclose the pendency of the Navy’s petition, the HC added.The final hearing of the petition is to begin at the admission stage on March 30. The builder, represented by senior counsel Janak Dwarkadas and Argud Partners, said a reply would be filed in 4 weeks. The HC sought the reply by March 9 and a rejoinder, if any, from the Navy by March 23. The HC sought BMC’s reply too on all counts, including what it said were serious allegations levelled by the Navy of a 7-month delay in handing over documents regarding building permissions it sought last May, and for seeking no NOC.Dwarkadas argued that BMC gave permission for ground plus 15 floors in October 2010, when there was no requirement of any NOC, and even the Defence Ministry’s May 2011 guidelines do not mandate a NOC and permit “objections” to be raised on security grounds, which were not made. Dwarkadas again cited the slums sitting “cheek-by-jowl” to Navy premises and questioned how the slum cluster was not considered a threat, since anyone could walk in there.The Navy, represented by senior counsel RV Govilkar, said there was a 10-ft wall; besides, the high-rise was in the “line of sight” and hence a risk, which was noticed last year when officers went to inspect an adjoining building. Dwarkadas again questioned what the Navy was doing for 15 years when the construction was coming up gradually, and he questioned the “line-of-sight” argument, also citing other high-rises in the vicinity and the lack of the Navy’s objection to them.Govilkar said the other buildings were over 15 years old, pre-dating its guidelines. The Navy said buildings in between were more than 15 years old and “nothing can be done about them”. “We are intrigued by the submission that though these buildings are very close and threat perception would first hover above them, the naval authorities feel they cannot be touched because they are more than 15 years old,” the HC dictated, saying it was getting no answer when it can “see innumerable doors and windows” and some buildings clearly within a stone’s throw distance of the Naval base. The HC added, “What surprised us is the intelligence gathering network of the Navy… if a building as tall as G+19 in line… was completed in 2024, we are prima facie surprised at the lapse in intelligence of the petitioner.”Govilkar said when VVIP movement occurs, precautions are taken in other buildings as well. He said the towers in Badhwar are govt buildings.The HC recorded, “Today, until pleadings are complete, the anxiety of (Navy)” is that the builder constructing the high-rise “is watching over their property.” The HC said the building was at a height of 70 metres (20 floors) since 2024. “The Navy cannot deny several VVIP movements between then and now, and yet if this building went unnoticed, we find it can only be due to naval intelligence,” the Judge dictated, clarifying its observations are prima facie, and posted the matter for final hearing and disposal.

Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej joined Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday as part of the official French delegation for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, launched jointly by Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an exclusive chat with us, the composer described it as an honour and a privilege to be a part of this. “I’m really fortunate and honoured to be part of the French delegation to India,” Kej said. “It’s amazing to be in the presence of such an incredible world leader like President Macron and of course Madam Brigitte.” The visit turned memorable even before landing in India. Kej happened to be in Paris at the time and travelled aboard the presidential aircraft with Macron. “We ended up having dinner together on the plane and had beautiful conversations on India and France, on culture and the impact that culture has, and how important soft power is in today’s world,” he shared. A casual photograph taken on the flight has since captured public attention. The delegation landed in Mumbai close to midnight and headed straight to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel before a packed schedule began the next day. One of the highlights was a lunch interaction with members of the Hindi film industry, including filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, actors Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee, director Zoya Akhtar and veteran actor Shabana Azmi, alongside the French delegation. “It was a beautiful discussion on how India and France can cooperate in getting stories of France out in India and Indian stories out in France,” said Kej. “We spoke about uplifting arthouse cinema in both countries, and about meaningful cooperation, financially and creatively, and cross-cultural collaborations within the movie industry.” Kej’s association with Macron goes back a few years. He first met the French President during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit to France in 2023, where they dined at the Louvre Museum. The two reconnected in December 2024 in Riyadh at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) conference. “Both him and his wife Brigitte are absolutely generous people, very good human beings,” Kej said and added, “President Macron is a great leader, someone who brings people together. It’s been wonderful spending time with him.”

The delegation’s India itinerary continues with multiple engagements in Mumbai and Delhi, including the upcoming AI Summit, before Kej returns to France, once again aboard the presidential flight, marking yet another chapter in a cultural dialogue he believes is only growing stronger.

BJP youth wing protesting outside Rahul Gandhi’s house. (Screengrab)

NEW DELHI: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) youth wing on Friday staged a protest outside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi‘s Delhi house, hours after the members from the rival camp tricked their way into Bharat Mandapam and tried to disrupt the government’s ambitious ongoing AI summit.The incident opened a new front of contention between the political nemeses, with the BJP accusing the Congress of tarnishing the nation’s reputation.

Calling Rahul Gandhi a “traitor,” a protesting BJP Yuva Morcha leader, who was being bundled into a van, said, “This shows their ideology against the country. If you want to protest, protest the policies. They have protested against their own country.”“The way Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party tarnished India’s reputation by storming the AI Summit…Rahul Gandhi continues to try to tarnish India’s reputation on the international stage. Traitor Rahul Gandhi,” a BJP Yuva Morcha leader told news agency ANI.The demonstration followed after the members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a protest at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the Al Impact India Summit by removing their shirts with slogans that read, “Compromised PM”.In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its workers were protesting against a “compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the Al Summit”.“Indian Youth Congress workers raised their voice and protested against the compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit,” the organisation said in an official post.“Instead of leveraging India’s talent and data, the AI summit is a disorganised PR spectacle – Indian data up for sale, Chinese products showcased,” it added.“The truth cannot be hidden behind the glittering stage of the AI Summit. When corporate interests are placed above the nation’s welfare and there is visible softness in foreign policy, protest becomes a duty,” the organisation said in a separate post.Meanwhile, Delhi Police have detained four IYC workers during a protest at the convention centre in the national capital.Also, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva announced a protest outside the Congress headquarters on Saturday to condemn Youth Congress workers’ “hooliganism” at the “AI Impact Summit”.Sachdeva said he will lead the protest march from Man Singh Road roundabout to the Congress office at 24 Akbar Road to expose the negative mindset of the Congress and its attempt to malign the country.The Delhi BJP chief said the 10 people detained by police for their “shirtless” protest at the Summit venue on Friday were not Congress workers but hired goons.“At a time when India’s youth are showcasing their innovations at the AI Summit and saluting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these individuals created disruption,” said Sachdeva.“If they believe that such actions will damage the nation’s image, they should dispel this misconception. These people claim to be workers of the Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, who goes abroad and speaks in a manner that harms India’s image,” he said.

Brian Bennett has been in sensational form for Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026, emerging as the backbone of their historic campaign. The 22-year-old opener has displayed a level of unshakable composure that has left seasoned veterans in awe. He has now left behind legends like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler to achieve a massive milestone in the tournament’s history.

Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett leaves Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler behind with record-breaking feat

Bennett has officially set a new world record for the most runs scored in consecutive not-out innings in T20 World Cup history, reaching a staggering 175 runs without being dismissed. He surpassed Buttler’s 172 runs (2021) and Kohli’s 171 runs (2014-16) after playing a match-winning knock of 63 off 48 balls* against Sri Lanka on February 19.

Bennett’s journey in the tournament has been a masterclass in risk management; he started with a steady 48* against Oman, followed by a brilliant 64* in the shock upset over Australia and capped it off with the unbeaten fifty against the co-hosts. Remarkably, Bennett has achieved this feat without hitting a single six in the tournament so far, relying instead on 24 boundaries and elite strike rotation. This ‘invincible’ run has not only rewritten the record books but has established him as the gold standard for consistency in the shortest format.

Also READ: ‘I had to resign because of this’: Former Pakistan legend makes explosive Babar Azam allegation amidst T20 World Cup 2026

Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe: Ultimate ‘surprise package’ of the T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe have been the ultimate ‘surprise package’ of the T20 World Cup 2026, storming into the Super 8s as the undefeated leaders of Group B. Under the fearless leadership of Sikandar Raza, the Chevrons have orchestrated two of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history by defeating giants Australia and Sri Lanka.

Their victory over the Lankans in Colombo was particularly impressive, as they successfully chased down a challenging 179-run target with three balls to spare. The team’s success is built on a perfect blend of youthful energy from Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, combined with the clutch finishing of Raza and Ryan Burl. By finishing above three Test-playing nations with 7 points (three wins and one washout), Zimbabwe have fired a warning shot to the rest of the world. As they head into the next round, this resurgent African side is no longer just a participant, they are genuine contenders for a semi-final spot.

Also READ: Pakistan to lift T20 World Cup 2026? Here’s how Australia’s group stage exit benefits Salman Ali Agha’s side